LIBREVILLE: Seven months after bringing the curtain down on the 55-year Bongo dynasty, Gabon’s transitional president started a national dialogue Tuesday touted as paving the way for polls next year.
General Brice Oligui Nguema, who was swiftly sworn in after the August 30 coup, vowed to hand back the oil-rich central African nation to civilian rule after a transitional period.
The global community has welcomed the measures taken so far and many people in Gabon still regard Oligui as a saviour, AFP reported.
However, some criticized what they termed a dialogue “between oneself” that paves the path towards the general’s candidacy for president.
Mounting Calls for Dialogue in Gabon
Mounting calls for the dialogue to be postponed or reorganized have been heard from a part of the former opposition which has not supported the military regime, as well as in the independent media.
Authorities said the Inclusive National Dialogue would be made up of all the “vital actors” of Gabon.
But opponents point fingers at a number of participants from the military and other institutions – and say all 580 taking part were chosen by Oligui.
Lionel Giovanni Boulingui, an official from the opposition REAGIR party, said that the criteria for participation must be reviewed.
